Tour operators established up helpline for vacationers stranded in Kashmir

Holidaymakers trapped in the snowbound valley are becoming offered accommodation, clinical assist, and even cash

From presenting accommodation and health-related assist to tough money, Kashmir-based mostly tour and vacation bodies, in a novel initiative, have established up helplines for holidaymakers stranded in the major spell of snowfall in excess of the earlier 4 days in the Valley, which has grounded both floor as nicely as air website traffic.

Ten tour operators have joined hands for the initiative beneath the banner of the Tourism Trade Bodies Joint Discussion board. All over 10,000 travellers are stationed in the Valley, with most stranded in the far off hill stations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam in north and south Kashmir.

“We are sincerely with the stranded travellers. We are figuring out tourists who are in problem and are short of tough cash. We will be glad to aid them and deliver accommodation, transportation, and so on.,” a spokesperson of the discussion board claimed.

In just 24 hrs of starting off the helpline, scores of vacationers built distress calls. “The Tourism Department has by now accommodated close to 89 visitors. The discussion board has accommodated extra than 150 vacationers in private inns,” Nasir Shah, chairman of the Indian Affiliation of Tour Operators (J&K chapter), informed The Hindu.

Also examine: Snowfall influences existence in Kashmir Valley

Dozens of flights have been cancelled in the previous four times, leaving hundreds of vacationers stranded. Anuj Kumar, a vacationer from Delhi who was on his honeymoon, stated he was stranded in Gulmarg but managed to attain Srinagar with the enable of locals.

“For individuals who are trapped in areas out of bounds because of to the snow, we are delivering no cost transport far too,” Mr. Shah explained.

Hotels in Gulmarg and Pahalgam have also resolved to lengthen bookings for the stranded holidaymakers.

“We are making sure that catering to holidaymakers in snowbound spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam is not hampered,” Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to the Lieutenant-Governor, explained.

Also read: Jammu and Kashmir govt. grapples with snowfall aftermath

Farooq Kuthoo, president of the Journey Brokers Association of Kashmir (TAAK), mentioned even health-related assistance was being provided as component of the initiative. He claimed the gesture intended to hold up the legacy of hospitality that Kashmiris have been recognized for as a result of centuries.

“We would not like to see our visitors suffering. It is our ethical obligation to prolong hand-holding to visitors who have appear to see the paradise on earth,” he additional.

The authorities stated the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the most important road backlink involving Kashmir and the relaxation of the state, is unlikely to open up for the up coming 24 hrs. “We are hopeful to see the flights resume as skies clear up on Thursday,” an official stated.

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